1. Should Have Learned (live)
2. Day Like This (live)
3. Tuvalu (live)
4. Name In Lights (live)
5. The Need For Biscuits (live)
6. Time Is Right (live)
7. Thursday Night (live)
8. Unnoticed (live)
9. Sock Drawer (live)
10. What I Call Romance (live)
11. Keep Me Going (live)
This is the second album from Paul Bell, the first being released over three years ago called Human Conditions, which I never knew about until after listening to his newest live album Name In Lights - Live In Sheffield. The album was recorded in late 2008 where a crowd gathered in Sheffield to be treated to 11 previously unrecorded songs.
What jumped out at first listen was how much of a great story teller Paul is. By using lyrics that are thought provoking, yet on the other hand make you laugh, but in the same breath create a moment of... Read More This is the second album from Paul Bell, the first being released over three years ago called Human Conditions, which I never knew about until after listening to his newest live album Name In Lights - Live In Sheffield. The album was recorded in late 2008 where a crowd gathered in Sheffield to be treated to 11 previously unrecorded songs.
What jumped out at first listen was how much of a great story teller Paul is. By using lyrics that are thought provoking, yet on the other hand make you laugh, but in the same breath create a moment of hushed silence that makes you think again. It is a wonderful gift that Mr Bell seems to own. All of Paul's songs are acoustic based, but the recording is of top quality and you forget it is a live album.
Should Of Learned seems to be more about the different kinds of potato, with comical lyrics about funny life situations. For example Paul sings "I should of checked for window cleaners before dancing in my pants", which is very true! The song also talks about many things you should have learned about your wife when you are together. A fantastic opening track, all very witty and clever.
Day like this and Tuvalu are musically a bit fuller with added keyboards and drums, and lyrically very different to the opening track, which proves Mr Bell isn't just a one trick pony or whatever the saying is. Both are beautiful tracks, yet the standout part for me is the atmospheric sound he has created in such a live setting and managing to produce it onto an album.
The Need For Biscuits is what it says on the tin, it is a song about Biscuits, starting off acoustically, discussing an emptiness of ones Biscuit tin. What happens next surprised me, the song kicks in to a jazz moment with Paul singing about all the available biscuits, a strange yet fantastic song.
Thursday Night is another stunning song, discussing going out with friends for a meal on a Thursday Night and the conversations that are made around the dinner table between close friends. "Food and friendship on a Thursday Night, we put the world to right, aching joints, fading sights, they don't mean a thing tonight" are the
lyrics to the chorus which take me back to some great times I have had with close friends. A beautiful song.
"I'll make you porridge every morning" is the first line to the alluring and superb standout track What I Call Romance, a song which celebrates love between a man and his wife. The lyrics are touching, heartfelt and at times funny, but cute moments between two people who are in love.
Overall a great set of songs, Paul's vocals has a hint of David Gray, a great live album which musically sounds full and vibrant, the songs will make you smile, laugh, cry and think. That has to be the perfect recipe for a great album.
Review by Jono Davies
LTTM Rating 4 out of 5 Stars Standout Track Thursday Night
The Need For Biscuits
![While We Sleep Tonight [Single]](image.php?url=images/doc/1158784154-1.jpg&width=300&height=300 "While We Sleep Tonight [Single]")
